"I am still struck by just how interested Valve is in Linux as a platform; it is certainly beyond my original expectations. This Linux work just is not some half-assed attempt by them to make it look like they are a Linux-friendly organization. Gabe's vision to support, embrace, and promote Linux are amazing, assuming they execute, which looks to be very high probability at this point."
Nice scoop from Phoronix. Seems to all tie in quite well with the prospect of a Steambox running Linux.

While I'm sure they see an app store as a threat, Microsoft would have to overcome the antipathy most gamers hold towards their GFWL platform. Steam is more than just distribution; it's palatable DRM, communications, friends lists etc. Microsoft fell on their face with their last competing platform that next to no one uses anymore. Who knows what Windows 8 and beyond will bring of course